9 Long-Lasting Florals That Aren't Silk
Ditch those dusty faux blooms and brighten your space with one of these gorgeous, low-maintenance fresh flower alternatives instead.
Nothing fills your home with colorful charm like a gorgeous bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Unfortunately, refilling vases with fresh blooms every week can add up quickly, tearing a sunflower-sized hole in your decorating budget. No worries! There are plenty of inexpensive, low-maintenance ways to integrate beautiful, long-lasting florals into your decor without ever stepping foot in the oh-so-scary fake flower aisle.
Best Dried Varieties
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Dried or preserved flowers are as close to the real thing as you can get and last about 12 times longer than their fresh counterparts. However, not every flower looks good when dried, and it's important to follow proper drying techniques to avoid moldy or brown-tinted blooms. Hydrangea, statice, yarrow, baby's breath, lavender and blue thistle are great choices, as they maintain their natural shape and bright color when dried and will last for months or even years in a clean, non-humid environment.
Learn How: How to Dry Common Flowers
Unique Ways to Display Dried Flowers
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Cotton Stems
Cotton Stems
In place of cut floral stems, consider adding the rich look of cotton stems to your Fall setup. Simply gather the stems in odd numbers, five and seven working best, then place them into a large vessel. The neutral tones work well for year-round use, and work gorgeously with Fall tones such as orange and dark brown.
Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions
Flynnside Out Productions
If you're looking to replicate Joanna Gaines' effortless Fixer Upper farmhouse aesthetic, grab a few bunches of cotton stems next time you head to the farmer's market. They're inexpensive, make a gorgeous statement and are 100 percent natural. Win-win-win.
How to Use Cotton Stems in Everyday Decor
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Succulents
Going on vacation? No need to hire a plant sitter for these hardy blooms. Succulents are super trendy, low-maintenance plants that can survive year round in virtually all conditions. Plus, a succulent plant often costs less than a single silk flower stem! Arrange in sandy soil and place next to a bright, sunny window for best results.
Eye-Catching Succulent Decor
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Long-Lasting Wreaths
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What if I told you that wreaths look just as great indoors as they do out? Work one of these chic floral decorations into your gallery wall, lay them flat on a table for a unique centerpiece or prop on a shelf, mantel or plate rail. Make your own from long-lasting materials such as dried flowers, magnolia leaves, dried boxwood clippings or paper blooms and switch out seasonally as desired.
More DIY Wreaths
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Sticks and Stems
Natural Wood Mantel Features Beautiful Decor
The natural look of the wood mantel in this living room pairs well with a rustic paneled mirror and a vase of sprawling branches. A gorgeous piece of white coral completes the look, adding a coastal touch.
Photo by: Carter Kay
Carter Kay
Decorative branches are about as low-maintenance as it gets. Just drop them in a pretty vase, arrange and you're done. That being said, not just any old stick will do. Choose ornamental types such as birch, pussy willow, driftwood curly willow or lichen-covered varieties for a polished look.
Paper Flowers
How to Make Paper Flowers 06:58
Julia shows how to make paper flowers for a bouquet that will last forever.
Ok, paper flowers are fake flowers, too. But if your home decor skews kitschy, bright DIY paper blooms are a fun and youthful long-term option and a unique alternative to silk or plastic florals.
More DIY Paper Flowers
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Long-Lasting House Plants
Courtesy of Urbio
From indoor trees to shade-loving indoor plants, the options are endless when it comes to low-maintenance house plants. No green thumb required (seriously!).
Do Your Homework: Caring for Houseplants and Indoor Plants
Houseplants 101: Choosing the Right Indoor Greenery
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Floral Art
Make a big statement by transforming your favorite blooms into unique, large-scale home decor. Upside-down flower pots, sculptured planters and oversized macro flower prints are just a few of the stunning and creative ways you can display florals year round in a big way.
Stunning Floral Art
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Fresh Cuts
13 FUN WAYS TO ADD FALL TOUCHES TO YOUR HOME
Create a unique look for your home by displaying different shades of coffee berry in vessels of varied height.
©Rustic White Photography
Rustic White Photography
At the end of the day, nothing can replace the look, feel and smell of fresh-cut flowers. Fortunately, there are a variety of blooms that will last two weeks or more when properly maintained. Rich-scented coffee berry, eucalyptus, orchids, chrysanthemums and zinnias are among the most popular long-lasting varieties and look great when displayed in large bunches. For maximum life span, arrange loosely in a clean vase, cut stems at an angle and replace water every few days.
Long-Lasting Fresh Cut Flowers
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